Features of a media text

Understanding the purpose of a website

A website is a platform for a business, or an individual to share information, ideas, and/or promote products/services that they have designed. Websites are designed for many reasons and purposes.

Explore the following list of possible reasons/purposes for a website.

The purpose of a website might be to:

• promote or sell a product(s) or service(s) 
• provide information about a topic(s) (e.g. encyclopedias)
• entertain (e.g. videos, movies, games, music)
• provide educational resources (e.g. essays, articles, courses)
• provide information about global events (e.g. news articles)
• promote communication and networking (e.g. social media)
• provide others with a platform to blog or journal

Can you think of some reasons that people might access these sites?

Are there any other purposes of a website?

Record your thinking using a method of your choice.

Features and elements

The TVOkids homepage contains an overview of the available games, shows, and resources. They have small clickable circular buttons along the top of the homepage as well as larger rectangular buttons in the middle of the homepage. Each button contains information which is available to explore on the website. There are headings which include: ‘Explore by Topic,’ ‘Watch live,’ ‘Videos,’ ‘Games,’ ‘Apps,’ and ‘Preschool.’ There is a search button and a button for ‘Grownups.’ Along the bottom of the page there is a clickable for ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Terms and Conditions.’

There are many techniques used when designing a website.  A website must engage the audience, and improve the experiences of those who visit the site.

Website features and elements can include:

• Home page: this is the main page or starting point for the website. This provides users with a convenient preview of the types of information and the resources available.  The information on the homepage should be organized, engaging, and easy to use.

• Header: this is the section at the top of the website and it contains the website's name, logo and sometimes the site's navigation. This section will usually remain constant as the site is explored.
• Logo: this is a symbol that is reflective of the company/website.
• Main menu or Navigation bar: this section is at the top of the website and includes clickable drop-down menus or buttons which will help to guide those using the site to the topic or information they are searching for.
• Sidebar: is a vertical column with inviting elements designed to engage the audience so they browse and explore new topics. It might contain advertisements, links to additional information, or a search box.
• Featured image and description: this is a large image or statement at the top of a website that is designed to grab the audience's attention.
• Website content: this is the text, videos, images, or audio that the website contains.
• Footer: this section is at the bottom of the website and usually contains the terms of use, contact information (if applicable), sitemap, social media icons, copyright date, and other important webpage links.

Analyse and identify the features of a website

Explore the following TVOlearn(Opens in a new window) link and identify the features used on the homepage to either convey a message or to help engage the audience.

What features did you notice? How are they used? Why are they important?

Record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Designing a webpage

Select a topic of interest! Using your understanding of website features, you will create an outline of your website's homepage.

Note: Your homepage is the main page or starting point for the website.

Consider:

• the purpose of your website
• what features you will include to capture the user’s attention
• how you will organize the information on your homepage

You can create your outline on the computer, on paper, as a detailed written or audio description, or using a format of your choice. You can also record how you would create your homepage for your website and what information you would include.

Reflection

Respond to the following questions about your website outline and record your ideas using a method of your choice.

1. How will you use the features of a website to help communicate your message?
2. How can you use different techniques to engage your intended audience?
3. What is the importance of designing a ‘homepage’ when creating a website?

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.